What are the rules?
Using chess programs or engines (e.g., Chessmaster, Fritz, Komodo, Houdini, Stockfish, Chessbase with any active UCI engine) to analyze positions in ongoing games is strictly prohibited.
For Daily Chess (turn-based games with several days per move):
You may consult non-engine resources, such as books and opening databases (including the Chess.com Explorer), for standard and thematic games. Engine analyses of these resources are not allowed.
Tablebases are prohibited.
You may not seek opinions from an engine or another person regarding the opening database, tablebases, self-preparation, or analysis related to a specific game in progress on Chess.com.
In Live Chess, no outside assistance of any kind is permitted.
Manipulating game results by arranging games, using multiple accounts, or losing intentionally is against the rules.
Do not seek help from anyone, including parents, friends, coaches, or other players.
Do not let anyone else play on your account, and do not use someone else's account. This is strictly against the rules.
Do not interfere with the gameplay of other members.
If you suspect your opponent is cheating, report them to Chess.com instead of resorting to cheating yourself.
For comprehensive information on fair play, please visit: Fair Play On Chess.com
💡 These rules do not apply to games played against the computer or 'Bots.'
Common mistakes
Mistake
|
Details |
Using an engine in a rated game
| This can get your account closed, even if the other player knows you're doing it. One scenario involves two friends trying to see which engine was stronger by playing engine moves against each other. |
Using an opening book in Live | Whether it’s an online opening library or a book in your lap, if it shows you what move to play, it could get your account closed. |
Using your own personal notes in Live
| Surprising to most, but it’s the same as using an opening book. If you wrote out all possible moves for an opening and reference them during a live game, it is considered cheating. A good rule for live chess is to use only your own brain. |
Fair Play FAQ
1. How do I report someone for breaking the Fair Play rules?
If you have reason to believe someone is using illegal engine analysis, please report them. Our Foul Play Detection Staff will thoroughly investigate by gathering and analyzing user statistics and reports, maintaining confidentiality, and taking appropriate action based on the findings.
Please do not discuss your suspicions in the forums.
Please do not make public accusations on a user’s wall or in their notes.
Please do not make public accusations of any username in public chat in Live Chess (while observing or playing a game).
Any of the above-described public accusations/actions against a member may lead to your own account being restricted, regardless of what is found against the accused.
📚Check out this article to learn how to report a member: How do I report someone?
2. How does Chess.com detect foul play?
Our analysis includes comparing human moves to computer moves and assessing their statistical significance. Other aspects of our detection methods remain confidential to remain effective.
3. How often does Chess.com catch Fair Play abusers?
💡Each week, we close over 1,000 accounts, including those of premium and titled members.
We strive to keep Chess.com a safe and positive environment for chess players worldwide and are sad whenever any account is closed. The process of investigating the fair play of our members is a never-ending one!
Chess.com employs more than 20 full-time salary employees dedicated to the research, prevention, and ultimately, the closure of accounts found to have accessed illegal assistance during their chess games. Our team is constantly going through the games of our top players, submitting those games into our "Fair Play Detection System", and evaluating clean play vs non-clean play.
4. What happens to a player who is found to have violated the rules of Fair Play on Chess.com?
Account Closure: The player's account is closed immediately, and all ongoing games are awarded to their opponents.
Point Restoration: In extreme cases, we may restore points for up to the last 100 games or the past three months, as older results become statistically insignificant.
New Accounts: While we may allow the creation of a new account, a user who has been convicted of Fair Play abuse cannot reopen the same account.
5. What should I do if my opponent accuses me of Fair Play violations?
If you are not violating the rules, it is best to stay calm, disable chat, and continue your game. Your opponent may be frustrated or attempting to unsettle you.
If false accusations persist, follow the procedure to report the member for abuse. Additionally, you can add the accuser to your blocked-player list to prevent further contact.
6. If I reported someone for Fair Play abuse why hasn't their account been closed?
We appreciate you reporting your suspicions, but ultimately Chess.com will decide and bear all responsibilities of our members and their play on our site. If we have not closed their account then the evidence is not conclusive.
7. You closed the account of someone I know - I'm sure they were innocent of abuse!
We understand your frustration. Please know that we only close accounts when we are absolutely certain of our findings, supported by extensive statistics that would withstand public scrutiny and legal review. No account is ever closed based solely on suspicion.
8. Can someone appeal if their account is closed?
We welcome your appeal! To begin, please complete the appeals form linked in your closure notice, and our Fair Play team will review your case.
Please note that Chess.com, as a private company, reserves the right to close accounts that we believe have violated site rules, acted unfairly towards other members, or negatively impacted the user experience.
Furthermore, it should be evident through logical and reasonable accounts, as well as sound business practices, that we would never have any reason to close a user's account unless we were absolutely certain, beyond all reasonable doubt, that they had violated the rules.
9. What does Chess.com think about Fair Play abuse?
Using unfair advantages against someone who thinks you are playing fairly is a terrible act.
Our policies are clear & strict; they are also faithfully enforced.
We feel we are extremely effective in identifying and dealing with all Fair Play abusers.
📝 To maintain the quality of our regular forums and avoid unnecessary anxiety, we have created a special group forum for discussions about cheating in online chess. We kindly ask you to restrict your comments on this subject to that group forum.